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Excaliber: The Y-block Ford was first used in 1954. But being first sure didn't make the Y block better than the SB Chevy.

Even the worst engines have had their successes, though. We used a 292 with a log manifold and four Stromberg 97s in a super modified on dirt in 1958. It was better than the 312 because the 292 used a forged crank.

Everyone was switching over from flatheads, so everything from Jimmys to hemis were being run. We were season champs because the guys running hi-revving SB Chevies hadn't figured out how to keep them together. They were faster, but couldn't finished races. We finished most of our races up front, consequently got the most points.

Then there was the '57 blown Ford Y-block that blew by the injected '57 Chevy at Pikes Peak. Even a SB Chevy can't make power without air.

Those were the few successes of the Y block over the SB Chevies. But there is one place the Y-block always exceeds . . . it makes a great boat anchor. Thank heavens Ford saw the light and introduced the SB Ford. But in the heavy-iron department, the FE 390s, 427s, 428 CJs and SCJs held (hold) their own.